Agricrop Rubbervine Spray in Darwin River
Agricrop Rubbervine Spray and 2,4-D
Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport (NRETAS) uses Agricrop Rubbervine Spray under a "minor use" permit issued by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (AVPMA). AVPMA is tasked with ensuring that products are safe and effective when used as directed and do not have adverse effects on the environment. APVMA also helps to ensure that unacceptable residues do not appear in food for human or animal consumption.
This product is applied as a spot application to scattered Cabomba patches, by injection of the required dose through submerged nozzles into Cabomba biomass in accordance with permit conditions.
Only the immediately affected part of the water is treated. The active ingredient 2,4-D (as the n-butyl ester) is listed in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG), which contain specific recommendations for 2,4-D in potable water.
The Guidelines state, “2,4-D should not be detected in drinking water. If present in drinking water, 2,4-D would not be a health concern unless the concentration exceeded 0.03mg/L. If detected then remedial action should be taken to stop contamination.”
The Health Value of 0.03mg/L in drinking water is derived from the Australian ADI (acceptable daily intake based on daily lifetime exposure) of 0.01mg/kg/day for a 70kg adult with an average water consumption of 2 L/day.
What are the potential effects in humans of drinking water containing Agricrop Rubbervine spray?
Access to river water has been suspended during herbicide applications via the quarantine declaration. Therefore, no exposure should occur. In the event of accidental consumption, the potential effects of water containing 2,4-D depend upon the level of 2,4-D in the water, and the duration of exposure to this water, and will differ between individuals.
2,4-D drug trials and studies on volunteers have shown that doses of between 5 and about 30 mg/kg body weight do not cause any acute toxic effects.
Long term exposure at occupational levels may lead to neuromuscular effects. All organic chemicals may lead to liver changes with long term exposure. It is uncertain whether the chronic toxic effects of 2,4-D products reported in occupationally-exposed people are solely attributable to 2,4-D.
Scientifically valid studies have not shown any adverse reproductive effects in human beings accidentally or occupationally exposed to 2,4-D.
Studies on mutagenicity and carcinogenicity and 2,4-D are inconclusive and have not shown a clear link in humans.
References and other links
- WHO - International Program on Chemical Safety (Inchem) Mongraphs
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Evaluations
- National water quality management strategy
- Extension Toxicology Network
- Agricrop Rubbervine Spray Label and MSDS
